SAN FRANCISCO --
FIRST PITCH: Having completed an 80-game suspension for a positive test for a performance-enhancing drug, former closer Jenrry Mejia is due to be activated by the New York Mets before Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants.
Mejia never admitted wrongdoing in a statement when the punishment was handed down in April. Instead, he maintained he never knowingly used Stanozolol, but accepted the punishment.
One thing is clear: Jeurys Familia's dominance as closer means neither Bobby Parnell nor Mejia is dislodging Familia from the closer's role. Familia converted his 23rd save in 25 chances in Monday's series opener at AT&T Park.
The Mets will have to make a roster move before Tuesday's game to clear a bullpen spot for Mejia. That is no easy task, since rookies Logan Verrett and Hansel Robles are pitching well, while an underperforming reliever such as Alex Torres is one of two lefties and Carlos Torres has veteran status and is out of options.
"It's never easy to send anyone back to the minor leagues," manager Terry Collins said. "And our bullpen has done a good job of keeping us in games. Unfortunately, one of them is going to be gone."
Bartolo Colon (9-6, 4.55 ERA) opposes right-hander Matt Cain (0-1, 9.00) in Tuesday's 10:15 p.m. ET game.
TUESDAY'S NEWS REPORTS:
Jonathon Niese limited the Giants to three hits in eight scoreless innings and the Mets scored three ninth-inning runs and beat San Francisco, 3-0, in Monday's series opener. Ex-Giant Johnny Monell delivered a tiebreaking two-run double. Niese earned his first win since May 9. Mets pitchers have now produced back-to-back three-hit shutouts. The Amazin's are 3-1 on their West Coast trip so far. Read game recaps in the Post, Daily News, Record and at NJ.com and MLB.com.
Jacob deGrom followed up last year's NL Rookie of the Year Award by earning his first All-Star selection. DeGrom was voted in by players. A complimentary NL manager Bruce Bochy named Familia one of five players on a fan ballot for the final NL slot, joining Clayton Kershaw, Johnny Cueto, Carlos Martinez and Troy Tulowitzki. You can vote here. Read more in the Post, Daily News, Journal, Newsday, Record and at NJ.com and MLB.com.
Kirk Nieuwenhuis made an improbable return to the Mets on Monday, after a detour to the Los Angeles Angels and then to Triple-A Las Vegas. He then went 1-for-2 with a key ninth-inning double and two walks. Darrell Ceciliani was demoted to the Pacific Coast League club. Read more in Newsday and at NJ.com and MLB.com.
Robert Gsellman allowed five runs in six innings and Portland beat Binghamton, 5-4. Jairo Perez had two of St. Lucie's three hits in a 9-0 loss to Fort Myers. Dawrin Frias allowed an eighth-inning run and Greenville beat Savannah, 8-7. Jose Figuera scored on an error as Kingsport earned a 5-4 walk-off win against Greeneville. Tyler Badamo allowed one unearned run in seven innings and Brooklyn beat Williamsport, 2-1, in 10 innings. Read the full minor league recap here.
Tim Rohan in the Times notes that Mets starting pitchers are getting it done at the plate as well as on the mound.
The Mets need better offensive contributions from Michael Cuddyer and Lucas Duda, Marc Carig writes in Newsday.
Read more on Mejia's return in the Record.
From the bloggers … Mets Report applauds Collins for telling Matt Harvey to get over the six-man rotation.
BIRTHDAYS: Tim Teufel turns 57. ... John Buck is 35.
TWEET OF THE DAY:
@AdamRubinESPN cool! No DP! #Progress
— Jack Trefry (@JackTrefry) July 7, 2015YOU'RE UP: Which reliever should the Mets demote to make room for Mejia?